Luke Donald agrees with Tiger Woods decision to shun Ryder Cup captaincy

Luke Donald has expressed his understanding of Tiger Woods’ decision to decline the captaincy of the U.S. Ryder Cup team for the 2025 event at Bethpage Black in New York. Donald, 46, also shared his surprise at Keegan Bradley being chosen instead.

Donald, the Englishman who will captain the European Ryder Cup team for the second time following their decisive five-point victory at Marco Simone in Rome, was initially expected to face Woods in the next tournament. However, the 15-time major champion opted out of the role after extensive discussions with the PGA of America, citing his numerous commitments with the PGA Tour, PIF, and his upcoming TGL as reasons for not being able to devote the necessary time to the Ryder Cup captaincy.

With Woods, 48, out of consideration, the PGA selected Bradley, 38, who accepted the role earlier this month. Woods humorously criticized a former Ryder Cup captain while confirming his decision, emphasizing that he could not give the captaincy the attention it requires.

Donald, in a phone interview announcing his new role as ambassador for OptimallyMe, a leading health technology company, commented on the situation. “It sounded like Tiger was someone the PGA certainly targeted and wanted, but Tiger has come out and said he has so much going on, he doesn’t feel like he can fulfil the role and give it the time it deserves, so I understand that,” said Donald.

“It’s certainly a role that takes up a lot of time and commitment, and he obviously doesn’t feel like he can do that. I’m sure he will be a captain at some point down the road.

“But yeah Keegan, it was a surprise to all of us. It was a surprise to himself, he’s said that. It was an unexpected call he got a week or two ago informing they would like him to become the captain.

“I think it was surprising because he is still playing at a very high level of golf, he’s top 20 in the world, won last year and the year before, he had every chance to be on the team in Rome last year. I think we could all say he was unlucky and could have certainly been picked to be on that team.

“So yeah, a little surprising, but in a certain way he’s very passionate about the Ryder Cup. I played against him a couple of times at Medinah and could see the passion and how much it meant to him. He loves the event and I’m sure he will bring the passion to his captaincy. I also know him well, so it will be nice to enjoy the next 14 months together as we head to New York.”